Terrance Farrell Obituary

The extraordinarily beautiful heart that belonged to Terrance Michael Farrell came into this world December 28, 1945 and left it a better more perfect place on April 21, 2023. "Mike the Tyke" was born to Joe and Jeanne Farrell. As the second son, the "best looking, extremely talented, most athletic' of their six children. Mike grew up in Oakland, California before the family moved to San Jose. His love of God, Country and Family were the pillars of his life. Mike's love of his mother was evident, as nothing but beautiful words ever came from him when he spoke to her or about her. The apple of his father's eye, making his father proud was his top priority as he always tried his best in everything he did and excelled in sports. His brothers remember chasing balls as their Dad threw pitches to Mike to practice his batting. Mike loved baseball and the Oakland A's were his team. His brothers Richard, Kenneth, Melvin and Peter and sister Janet were a constant source of strength and he relied on them throughout his life. He had so much love for each of them, their spouses and many nieces and nephews that regarded him as their 'favorite Uncle Mike'. Terrance Michael Farrell joined the US Army in 1963. Proud to be an Airborne Ranger, 173 Airborne Division, Bravo Bulls, this Sky Soldier made his country proud earning a Purple Heart for sustaining a combat wound among other medals for extreme bravery and sacrifice in service to his country. His service during the Vietnam War and his loyalty and love for America made him a Hero. He was always so proud be part of the military and of his brothers in arms. Hoorah! He was recognized as Veteran of the Year, Grand Marshall for a Memorial Day parade, and more recently would lead the Veterans in prayers, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. After healing his physical war wounds and graduating from San Jose State University, he went on to play his beloved sport of baseball as a semi-pro player. He traveled to Yosemite to rock climb with some of the top climbers. He was a journalist, and always loved writing, reading and 'correspondence". He became a sports writer, and later went on to work at the Unites States Postal Service. In 1968, he married the 'one and only woman for him', Carol Ann Alexander. His love and admiration for her lasted a lifetime. The pride and joys of his life were his three daughters. Tammy, Shannon and Laura. Affectionately he called them Bambi, Shiny and Littlest Laura Lou. He has been the most dedicated father, he lived and breathed for their happiness. He worked the night shift so that he could pick them up from school, do their homework with them, and take them to sports practice and catechism classes. Mike never missed an opportunity to tell each of them how proud he was of them. He instilled confidence and courage. He made each of them feel like the most treasured, loved ladies of the world. He would sing to them, and pray with and for them, and always made sure they knew they were special. He loved his son- in- laws Tom and Paul as his own and just as he always did with his brothers and sister, he teased them relentlessly. His precious grandchildren were his "dream come true". He had a song for each of them and bragged about them to anyone. He always knew exactly what each of them were doing on a daily basis. His 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren were a great source of pride. His last smile was when he met his great granddaughter, Jolene Grace. The greatest love of his life was Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Mike would study the Bible and pray for his family, friends and the world to be a better place for all of us. To hear him sing at church with all of his heart would bring a tear to your eye. His family would like to thank all of you who loved and cared for him throughout his lifetime. His friends and family that always kept in touch and would visit to ensure he knew he was loved. There were so many doctors, nurses, and caregivers at the VA that took such great care of him. We whole-heartedly appreciate each of you for the love and support you showed Mike throughout the years. We have all been positively impacted by his extraordinary loving beautiful heart. The lesson of Mike's life was that it doesn't take much to make an impact on this world. He never had much to give, but he gave us all he had. Each of us have felt his steadfast love and how he paid attention to and asked about our lives. We felt his love as he continually prayed for all of us. He taught us to love each other with your whole heart, to be kind to someone that needs it, and to treat everyone like a friend. Live the life you dream. When life is a struggle, you are still blessed. He never wanted to be in a wheelchair or a hospital as he always wanted to be with the ones he loved. We are comforted by knowing he is with now always with us. Thank you, God for taking him peacefully to rest by your side. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do kind deeds whenever you can, keep in touch with those you love more frequently & thank a veteran for their service when you see them in order to honor the life and legacy of our family's hero, Terrance Michael Farrell. To to the family, please